Yoga Therapy | Low Blood Pressure or Hypotension

Yoga Therapy for Low Blood Pressure

Low Blood Pressure

Yoga doesn’t recognize Low Blood Pressure or Hypotension as a systematic problem-rather Low Blood Pressure is a natural congenital state for most. Generally, Low Blood Pressure is a sign of excellent health and good vasodilation, but in people suffering from Low B.P. as a form of fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea, nausea, etc., strength building asanas, from the Earth element are highly recommended.

Blood pressure chronically lower than 90/60mmHg is categorized as Low Blood Pressure or Hypotension. Sudden drops in blood pressure can be dangerous, causing dizziness and fainting. Low B.P. is not generally classified as a disease; instead it is seen as a physiological condition.

Those with Low Blood Pressure are advised to spend time in nature trails during weekends, walking barefeet on grass and to stay active, pursuing either work or hobbies. Low B.P. individuals should not spend too much time in solitude or disconnected from active work. Chikitsa Yoga asana sequence for Strength building is highly recommended as well as all round sports such as swimming, cycling and jogging.

In case Low Blood pressure is caused due to medical conditions such as low heart rate (bradycardia), thyroid conditions, Addison’s disease, low blood sugar, dehydration and anemia, the underlying disease should be targeted to re-establish homeostasis. Certain medications such as diuretics, alpha blockers, drugs for Parkinson’s disease can also induce low blood pressure and one is adviced to consult their general physician to cut down on these medications if that’s the case.

Hypotension can also be treated by making simple lifestyle changes such as increasing water and salt intake, avoiding caffeine and alcohol and taking frequent smaller meals instead on larger ones.

Asanas & Pranayamas for disease reduction:

The Strength Building Chikitsa Asana sequence targets the Femoral, Tibial and Peronial arteries and veins that supply blood to the lower extremeties of the body. Using these asanas to constrict these arteries and veins makes the heart beat faster, thus countering Low Blood Pressure. The Yogic techniques always start with the physical, in order to bring a state of homeostasis, which leads to symptom reduction.

Practicing amplification Pranayamas such as Kapaalbhati and Bhastrika is another excellent way to reach homeostasis by supplying oxygen rich blood to the heart. Since cellular metabolism and respiration are directly correlated, these practices enliven the very substratum of our body. However, one should take necessary care learn these breathing techniques from an experienced teacher before practicing them.

The following are a small selection of simple asanas from the Strength Building Chikitsa series that will begin the process of recovery from Low Blood Pressure.

Siddhasana

Virasana

Viparita-Karani

This article was first published in DNA e-paper. AryaMarga Yoga holds the copyright for the content and pictures.